About

The name Pathways Upstream was born out of my Yup'ik (Alaska Native) heritage and my training in social work and public health. Every year, the salmon return upstream to the place they were born. This annual journey has been part of the rhythm of my own life. In social work and public health, we know about the need to look “upstream” — we go to the source to address the root cause of adversity. Just as I am on a journey of deepening my understanding and connection to my own history and heritage, I aim to support you in exploring what will help you live your most fulfilled life.

I was raised in rural Alaska, went to school in California, and now call Utah my home. When I'm not working, I spend as much time as I can with my family and playing in the outdoors. I enjoy trails running, hiking, and rock climbing, and I have relished introducing my two daughters to the wonders of nature.

Pathways Upstream

Approach

I ground myself in empathy, acceptance, and whole-hearted listening, and I practice from a compassionate and strengths-based approach. I view experiences through a trauma-informed and anti-oppression lens that aims to be mindful of the historical, cultural, and social factors that influence health and well-being. I use a developmental framework to normalize and problem-solve parenting and relational challenges. I hold that everyone is doing the best they can and that there is power in being curious towards those parts of us that sometimes get in the way.

I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. As such, I bring openness and authenticity to therapeutic interactions. In our sessions, we can explore your experiences and journey through the facets of your identity to help clarify how you can become the person you want to be. I draw from multiple therapeutic approaches and I integrate concrete skill-building to provide you with tools and strategies for managing your day-to-day challenges. I welcome feedback and I take a collaborative approach to treatment planning — together, we'll create a path towards recovery and sustainability. It is an honor to bear witness to others' stories, and I look forward to accompanying you on your journey of self-exploration.

Graduate training and work experience

I have been a practicing clinician for over a decade. During graduate school, I worked with children and teens in school-based and medical settings. My post-master's clinical training was at a child and adolescent outpatient mental health clinic, followed by time at a youth residential treatment program. I then spent 5 years working at an integrated primary care clinic supporting adults and children with chronic and complex medical and behavioral health concerns. At that clinic, I provided intensive mental health treatment and care coordination to patients, supported members of the treatment team, led the trauma-informed care initiative, and facilitated the overall behavioral health integration efforts.

Credentials and Training

Education

Publications and Media